Ayda Field almost became one of the best-paid actresses on TV

Reflecting on the missed opportunity and her experiences of self-doubt, Ayda shared: "I tested against Kaley Cuoco for 'The Big Bang Theory'. Not getting that hurts. And you read articles like, 'highest-paid actress in television'.

"I've had jobs taken away. You have to audition the day after. You've got to do it, but I can't be funny.

"Or when I'd broken up with Rob. You're testing for this comedy, [but think] 'I can't do it.'"

Ayda - who split from Robbie before they tied the knot in 2010 - has always felt as though she's been having to challenge the odds.

The actress told the Sunday Mirror newspaper: "I'm an und¬er¬¬dog. You just have to know you are capable of a lot more than you think."

Meanwhile, it was announced in August that 'The Big Bang Theory' will end in May 2019.

The long-running American sitcom has been a huge global success since the first episode aired in 2007, but the programme will end in May after 279 episodes.

In a joint statement, Warner Bros. Television, CBS and Chuck Lorre Productions said: "We are forever grateful to our fans for their support of 'The Big Bang Theory' during the past 12 seasons.

"We, along with the cast, writers and crew, are extremely appreciative of the show's success and aim to deliver a final season, and series finale, that will bring 'The Big Bang Theory' to an epic creative close."

The show is the longest-running multi-camera series in American TV history.